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Wednesday, 3 September 2014

Cambridge MP calls on Government to ban wild animals in circuses

MP Julian Huppert, who has been proactive in pushing for a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses, is today (Wednesday, September 3) calling on the government to change the law.

Julian is co-sponsoring a 10 Minute Rule Bill which could pave the way for the practice of using wild animals for entertainment being consigned to the history books.

Cambridge has already banned animals performing in travelling shows in the city and now Julian wants a countrywide ban to be enshrined in law.

He has already written to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport calling for action on the controversial issue.

Julian supported a campaign to ban wild animals in circuses by the global charity, Animal Defenders International and was one of over 160 politicians who signed a Commons’ Early Day Motion calling for action.

“Our country has come a long way in recent years and yet we still allow circuses which provide wild animals for entertainment – a practice that takes us back to the Victorian era,” said Julian.

“This has no place in a civilised society and this should have ended a long time ago. These animals often live in cramped cages causing untold mental stress – it is nothing short of cruel.

“I hope by bringing this issue back into the heart of government we can end it once and for all. We need a ban enforceable by law; we cannot go on expecting the industry to self-regulate.”